Your Gifts at Work

New Nuclear Camera Improves Diagnosis of Cardiac Conditions Patients Benefit From More Accurate Diagnostic Imagery, Shorter Scan Times (Hudson, NY) Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) today announced the acquisition and installation of state of the art scanning technology that will significantly improve the diagnosis of numerous common and rare cardiac conditions. The scanner was purchased with the support of the Columbia Memorial Health Foundation, which relies on the generosity of community donors. The new scanning device, known as the Symbia Evo Excel, is a single-photon emission computerized tomography device -- commonly called a “nuclear camera” -- that provides real-time scans of patient heart function. According the Dr. Hiral N. Amin, MD, a cardiologist at CMH’s Twin County Cardiology practice, the new technology is instrumental in testing heart function via “stress tests.” The machine can accurately measure blood flow in the hearts of patients to diagnose any irregular circulatory activity. Importantly, the device can be used on patients who can exercise and on patients who, due to their cardiac condition, cannot exercise. “This new imaging technology significantly improves the quality of images we use to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. It also [...]

Hudson, N.Y.  April 23, 2019 Columbia Memorial Health today announced it will conduct a special auction at its 31st Annual Hospital Ball with proceeds earmarked for the purchase of innovative 3D breast biopsy technology for CMH’s Women’s Health Services.  The Hospital Ball “Le Cirque,” hosted by the Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation (C-GHF), will be held on June 1 at the Point in Catskill. Columbia Memorial acquired 3D mammography technology earlier this year through a generous donation from the C-GHF. The ground breaking technology, currently available in both Hudson and Catskill, provides superior images that make it possible to identify early breast cancer abnormalities within a three dimensional plane. Suspicious abnormalities identified by mammography are subsequently biopsied, ideally with a minimally invasive technique. Proceeds from the Ball’s special auction will be used to acquire an advanced 3-D breast biopsy system that will allow physicians to precisely sample the abnormalities identified by CMH’s 3-D mammogram.  The stereotactic 3D biopsy system, known as Affirm, will provide precise targeting of a mammographic abnormality in a safer, accurate and more comfortable environment for the patient.  Most importantly, this system will help save lives by yielding earlier and more accurate detection [...]

The computerized system, known as the Stryker “Mako” system, is designed for knee and hip replacements. The Mako technology uses three-dimensional planning generated from a CT scan to create a personalized pre-operative plan that is completely individualized for each patient. “This is completely new for our region. It allows for much more accuracy during the surgery,” Gorczynski said. “There are some for whom ‘good enough’ is the goal. Joint replacement can be very forgiving, and many people do very well. But I disagree with the idea of ‘good enough.’ My goal is to make it perfect.” While any surgery’s outcome has a number of variables, including the rehabilitation process, this technology adds a degree of precision that hasn’t been available before. “The accuracy, Gorczynski said, can be far better than conventional surgery, down to just a millimeter.” “Take the knee, which has multiple sliding parts and soft tissues. The Mako system allows us to optimize and accurately balance the soft tissues,” Gorczynski said. “The more accurate the balance, the more natural it will feel.” The Mako robotic device is constantly under the direct command of the surgeon during the procedure. Once the information [...]

(Hudson)  Do you suffer from an aching back? Neck pain? If so, you’re not alone. Nearly one out of every three Americans suffers from neck and back pain. And the numbers are likely to grow with the aging population. But take heart, expert care is here. Columbia Memorial Hospital is expanding its spine care services with the opening of the Columbia Memorial Spine Institute in new, dedicated offices on the hospital campus. The Spine Institute will specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and adult spinal disorders and other causes of back and neck pain. The new offices are slated to open the first of the year in the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation Medical Office Building. The Spine Institute will have the talent, technology and facilities to provide patients with outstanding, comprehensive spine care close to home. “The Spine Institute will be a complete, ‘one-stop’ care center dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the spine,” said Dr. Ersno Eromo, surgeon and Spine Institute leader. “We are assembling an exceptional team who will offer the best spinal care around. Our surgeons and pain management doctors will work with [...]

(Hudson, NY) The Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation is very pleased to announce the successful completion of its “Fulfilling the Dream” capital campaign. The campaign, which exceeded its $10 million goal, is the largest and most successful fundraising effort in this community’s history. The capital campaign has funded significant renovation and expansion projects at Columbia Memorial Hospital and has made it possible to purchase state-of-the-art technology and medical equipment. “Every donation helps make Columbia Memorial even better for those who turn to the hospital for care,” said Betsy Gramkow, Executive Director of the Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation. “The results of our community’s generous donations can be seen in nearly every corner of our hospital.” Gifts to the campaign have allowed the hospital to complete a host of projects, some of which include expansion and renovation of the Intensive Care Unit, the opening of the Dr. Stephen and Suzanne Menkes Child Advocacy Program, the beautifully designed Paul & Clara Kellner Cafe and the Abram and Helen Kittle Lobby, the connector between the hospital and the Medical Office Building, new parking facilities, an automated pharmacy medication system, and a Medical Imaging Department that features the latest in CT/angiography [...]